National Park Galicica
National Park Galicica
National Park Galicica
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
379 reviews
Excellent
278
Very good
84
Average
13
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Soccca
Tolmin, Slovenia1,541 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We visited Galičica on our way from Lake Prespa to Lake Ohrid. From the top of the pass there is a very nice view of both lakes. Since the weather was nice and sunny, we took a short walk in nature and enjoyed the beautiful views.
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim H
Europe3,432 contributions
Jun 2023
National Park Galicica is between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Absolutely, mesmerizing views of both lakes and mountains. Extremely peaceful. There is a fresh water spring to drink from and an area to rest. There are many trails to hike and enjoy nature and wildlife.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milan S
Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia196 contributions
Jul 2020
Beautiful country, amd mountain. Still untouched by modern life. The ATV tour is great and not too demanding. You can choose from 2, 4 and 6 hours tours. The problem is that this is not ECO tourism. The vehicles are noisy and polluting the environment.
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana F
Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
We visited Ohrid coincidentally on Orthidox Easter so it was packed. We were concerned that Galicica would be the same but on our day trip we were the only people around! I was surprised to find very little info here on how to get there and the hiking trails so here is our experience:
Got the bus from Ohrid at about 8:30 from Boulevard Touristichka (there are several stops) to Elshani (cost 50 denares pp each way). The journey is about 30km and 20 min. there are about 8 buses daily (less on weekends see attached timetable, calculate the bus returns times about 20min after the scheduled departure from Ohrid).
The hike starts were the last bus stop of Elshani is. We did T5 (4.8 km climbing 730m), then G5 to the right (the left goes to Velestovo) and along the ridge (10.6 km up to 2,000m), because of snow we started but did not finish G6 (5.6 km loop of the highest peaks).
The saddle is along G5 where you can see both Lakes Ohrid and Petra (this is a great place for lunch!
The way is marked by a red and white stripe on rocks or trees. THESE ARE OFTEN VERY HARD TO FIND!! I cannot stress this enough. if you go more than 50m without seeing a mark you are lost. the marks are there but you have to look very carefully. we got lost many times (only a very short way before having to turn back). the path is not marked on the ground so you must look for the marks. also, you must carry food and water as there is none on the mountain (2 water points in Elshani). I would classify the hike as moderately difficult but potentially very dangerous if it was been raining as a lot of it is climbing on the ridges on rocks.
Good luck and enjoy the beautiful Macedonian landscape!!
PS. we also walked to Velestovo from Ohrid and beyond the cross. this is also part of Galicica closest to Ohrid and has beautiful views of the town and the lake. we walked about 20km in 4 hours but you dont have to do that much and some people go up to Velestovo with their car. its worth it for the view. go down Boulevard Touristichka until you get to the crazy petro station you will see the Galicica map and climb the stairs next to it. keep going on the paved road all the way up!
Got the bus from Ohrid at about 8:30 from Boulevard Touristichka (there are several stops) to Elshani (cost 50 denares pp each way). The journey is about 30km and 20 min. there are about 8 buses daily (less on weekends see attached timetable, calculate the bus returns times about 20min after the scheduled departure from Ohrid).
The hike starts were the last bus stop of Elshani is. We did T5 (4.8 km climbing 730m), then G5 to the right (the left goes to Velestovo) and along the ridge (10.6 km up to 2,000m), because of snow we started but did not finish G6 (5.6 km loop of the highest peaks).
The saddle is along G5 where you can see both Lakes Ohrid and Petra (this is a great place for lunch!
The way is marked by a red and white stripe on rocks or trees. THESE ARE OFTEN VERY HARD TO FIND!! I cannot stress this enough. if you go more than 50m without seeing a mark you are lost. the marks are there but you have to look very carefully. we got lost many times (only a very short way before having to turn back). the path is not marked on the ground so you must look for the marks. also, you must carry food and water as there is none on the mountain (2 water points in Elshani). I would classify the hike as moderately difficult but potentially very dangerous if it was been raining as a lot of it is climbing on the ridges on rocks.
Good luck and enjoy the beautiful Macedonian landscape!!
PS. we also walked to Velestovo from Ohrid and beyond the cross. this is also part of Galicica closest to Ohrid and has beautiful views of the town and the lake. we walked about 20km in 4 hours but you dont have to do that much and some people go up to Velestovo with their car. its worth it for the view. go down Boulevard Touristichka until you get to the crazy petro station you will see the Galicica map and climb the stairs next to it. keep going on the paved road all the way up!
Written May 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bepieters
Ghent, Belgium12 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
We found a tourist map of the National Park Galicica with the most essential information: hiking trails, bicycle trails, where the picnic grounds are...
In Ohrid town, we found some agencies who wanted to accompany us for a hike in the mountains. But we decided to do it all by ourself, because the tourist map gave a lot of information and we heard that most of the walks were marked very well.
And indeed: the paths are marked (white and red paint). And where two different trails come together, there are arrows to point you in the right direction. And on some points there are information boards.
But not all the time it is marked very well. In some parts of the National Park it seemed that we were the first visitors in decades: most of the marks were hidden and some of the pathways had disappeared under big plants.
We walked from the camp site Eleshec via Elshani, the Samotska Dupka Cave, over the Tri Mazi to Velestovo. In one day. It was quite a long hike, but definitely worth every step of it. We had magnificient views over Ohrid Lake and saw wonderful fauna and flora.
Important: you need very good hiking shoes (paths are very rocky and unstable), a lot of water (not that much springs) and a lot of sunscreen (not that much shadow in the higher parts).
Note: most of the photos for this item show the (very beautiful) lake near St. Naum monsatery. The national park is much more than that.
In Ohrid town, we found some agencies who wanted to accompany us for a hike in the mountains. But we decided to do it all by ourself, because the tourist map gave a lot of information and we heard that most of the walks were marked very well.
And indeed: the paths are marked (white and red paint). And where two different trails come together, there are arrows to point you in the right direction. And on some points there are information boards.
But not all the time it is marked very well. In some parts of the National Park it seemed that we were the first visitors in decades: most of the marks were hidden and some of the pathways had disappeared under big plants.
We walked from the camp site Eleshec via Elshani, the Samotska Dupka Cave, over the Tri Mazi to Velestovo. In one day. It was quite a long hike, but definitely worth every step of it. We had magnificient views over Ohrid Lake and saw wonderful fauna and flora.
Important: you need very good hiking shoes (paths are very rocky and unstable), a lot of water (not that much springs) and a lot of sunscreen (not that much shadow in the higher parts).
Note: most of the photos for this item show the (very beautiful) lake near St. Naum monsatery. The national park is much more than that.
Written July 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pijlmans
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,773 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
Galicica National Park offers great opportunities for hiking. The Galicica National Park is located next to the city Ohrid, between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa in the south of the Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
The Galicica National Park office is located along the mountain road between Ohrid and the mountain village Velestovo. In my experience they are usually not of great help!
Most hikes in the park offer excellent views of Lake Ohrid, and at some places in the park it is possible to see both Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid from the same location.
We have done several hikes in Galicica National Park, for instance:
- A hike from Ohrid to Velgosti via Ramne, along several churches and monasteries (16 km)
- Climbing the Magaro Peak in the south of the National Park (8.5 km, you can combine this beautiful hike with a visit to the Monastery of St Naum in the south of Lake Ohrid)
- A 16 km round-trip through Galicica, between the villages Elshani and Konjsko
- Another 16 km round-trip starting and finishing in the village Velestovo
At least two hiking maps are available, one from the company Trimaks and one of the park itself.
There are a lot of hiking trails in the park, but they are not marked very well most of the time, although the situation has slightly improved over the last years. The marking is with the international "red/white" marking, and with some wooden signposts here and there to point you into the right direction.
In my opinion, the best way to go hiking in the mountains of Macedonia is to use an outdoor GPS and download tracks from the internet.
On Tripadvisor's daughter website VirtualTourist I have written detailed information about these and other hikes in Macedonia, see http://members.virtualtourist.com/pijlmans
The GPS files you can download for free from GPSies.com if you follow the links on my VirtualTourist pages.
The Galicica National Park office is located along the mountain road between Ohrid and the mountain village Velestovo. In my experience they are usually not of great help!
Most hikes in the park offer excellent views of Lake Ohrid, and at some places in the park it is possible to see both Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid from the same location.
We have done several hikes in Galicica National Park, for instance:
- A hike from Ohrid to Velgosti via Ramne, along several churches and monasteries (16 km)
- Climbing the Magaro Peak in the south of the National Park (8.5 km, you can combine this beautiful hike with a visit to the Monastery of St Naum in the south of Lake Ohrid)
- A 16 km round-trip through Galicica, between the villages Elshani and Konjsko
- Another 16 km round-trip starting and finishing in the village Velestovo
At least two hiking maps are available, one from the company Trimaks and one of the park itself.
There are a lot of hiking trails in the park, but they are not marked very well most of the time, although the situation has slightly improved over the last years. The marking is with the international "red/white" marking, and with some wooden signposts here and there to point you into the right direction.
In my opinion, the best way to go hiking in the mountains of Macedonia is to use an outdoor GPS and download tracks from the internet.
On Tripadvisor's daughter website VirtualTourist I have written detailed information about these and other hikes in Macedonia, see http://members.virtualtourist.com/pijlmans
The GPS files you can download for free from GPSies.com if you follow the links on my VirtualTourist pages.
Written August 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cogitoergosum222
Slavonia, Croatia165 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
We, a group of five friends, decided to spend one day of our stay in the Ohrid area for a visit to the National Park Galičica, that is to climb to its highest peak Magaro (2255 m).
I'll give you a brief description of our experience ... We hired a taxi to bring us from Ohrid to Lipova, a pass that is 1550 m above sea level, from which our climb begins. At the entrance to the national park, you have to pay 50 denars per vehicle and 30 denars per person. There is still a fee for just 200 denars per person for whom we did not pay because we said we would go over the pass to the Prespa Lake, not the hiking. The trail is well marked throughout, and the only drawback is that the text on some signposts faded. But it is not difficult if you follow the red and white markings on trees and rocks. The first part of the trail runs through a beautiful forest and lasts about 35 minutes. 300 m after leaving the forest you came across the crossing where we chose the right direction because it is full of nice sights, although it is a little harder to climb that way. Next, our course led across the curbs and ridges, near a huge metal plate (I have no idea what it is), all the way to the very top that is clearly marked. We came back the other way we would go if we turned left on that crossing. The whole journey lasted about 4 hours and 15 minutes with a shorter vacation. We came back with a taxi that cost us all 8 eur per person (in both directions together). This does not seem very much because the distance from Ohrid to Lipova's head is almost 40 km. Nature is interesting and untouched, and the most beautiful part of it is great views. This can be seen in the photos below.
I'll give you a brief description of our experience ... We hired a taxi to bring us from Ohrid to Lipova, a pass that is 1550 m above sea level, from which our climb begins. At the entrance to the national park, you have to pay 50 denars per vehicle and 30 denars per person. There is still a fee for just 200 denars per person for whom we did not pay because we said we would go over the pass to the Prespa Lake, not the hiking. The trail is well marked throughout, and the only drawback is that the text on some signposts faded. But it is not difficult if you follow the red and white markings on trees and rocks. The first part of the trail runs through a beautiful forest and lasts about 35 minutes. 300 m after leaving the forest you came across the crossing where we chose the right direction because it is full of nice sights, although it is a little harder to climb that way. Next, our course led across the curbs and ridges, near a huge metal plate (I have no idea what it is), all the way to the very top that is clearly marked. We came back the other way we would go if we turned left on that crossing. The whole journey lasted about 4 hours and 15 minutes with a shorter vacation. We came back with a taxi that cost us all 8 eur per person (in both directions together). This does not seem very much because the distance from Ohrid to Lipova's head is almost 40 km. Nature is interesting and untouched, and the most beautiful part of it is great views. This can be seen in the photos below.
Written October 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Filip58
Bruges, Belgium49 contributions
Jun 2013
Rent a car and drive the road up into the mountains of the national park when it is sunny. Do it slowly, stop regulary and admire the stunning views over Lake Ohrid.
The road to the top is only about 15km long, one does it in 1 hour. But it will be an hour you remember.
Once on the top you can return, or you can drive down towards the other lake. Views there are less spectacular.
The road to the top is only about 15km long, one does it in 1 hour. But it will be an hour you remember.
Once on the top you can return, or you can drive down towards the other lake. Views there are less spectacular.
Written June 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CAGodfrey
Amsterdam19 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
We had an excellent three-day visit largely thanks to the services of the small family run tours of Free Pass Ohrid. The small boat tour was tops and the hikes were informative and fun. They gave us personal attention for a small price, something we retired people appreciate.
Written June 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piotr B
London, UK20 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We've had a great time in the park. I would recommend to use a guide and the people from "Ohrid Pass" were amazing. We would certainly suffer going there without them. Trip to the mountains peaks was the best unforgettable experience! Seeing two lakes from one point was absolutely great.
Written July 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alisa S
2 contributions
Hi. How i can reach to Nizhepole from Bitola? Is there is a bus? What about schedule? Thanks.
giordana
Hamburg, Germany3 contributions
Il pacco é enorme, altro che piccolo!
EnricoAnzio
Anzio, Italy3,018 contributions
Qual è la domanda?
Flory M
Tel Aviv, Israel
אשמח לקבל מסלול ואטרקציות ב National Park Galicica ובסביבה
תודה רבה
פלורי
Cijena vožnje čamcem/brodicom i cijena ulaznice u N.P.
Raymond V
Genk, Belgium40 contributions
Zijn er excursies in het Nederlands in Ohrid naar Naun, Bitola, de natuurparken of naar Shopje en de Masca kloof?
Wat is de beste manier om naar het natuurpark te gaan? Is het gemakkelijk om dit via een taxi te doen? Wij kunnen helaas geen auto huren. En hoe is de temperatuur op deze berg? Wij gaan midden juni tot begin juli naar Orhid.
Corrie
Oosterhout, The Netherlands9 contributions
Per auto of een excursie met Lale Tours in Ohrid
George B
London14 contributions
I'm thinking of doing the Magaro trail tomorrow.Does anyone perhaps know the approximate cost of a taxi from Ohrid up to Lipova(starting point of trail?) I'm reluctant to rely on catching a lift with someone from the main road up to Lipova,would rather chance my luck on the way back.Thanks.
gkikaki
6 contributions
Καλησπέρα, ετοιμάζομαι με παρέα φίλων να κάνουμε ταξίδι προς την Οχρίδα και αυτό που θα θέλαμε να δούμε είναι το κατά πόσο είναι εφικτό να διανύσουμε την εναλλακτική διαδρομή από το Πάρκο Γκαλιτσίτσα προς την Ελλάδα. Θα μπορούσατε να μου δώσετε περαιτέρω πληροφορίες για τις συνθήκες; Ο δρόμος είναι ασφαλτοστρωμένος; Μπορεί να διανυθεί με ευκολία έχοντας ένα απλό Ι.Χ.; Ή υπάρχουν γενικά δυσκολίες; Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
Lisa_C_Malta
Santa Lucija, Malta218 contributions
Hi. Will be in Ohrid at the end of March. Interested in visiting St Naum as well as Park Galicica. Are boat rides in the springs near St Naum available in March? thanks
Jonas Gunnarsson
Stockholm, Sweden539 contributions
Check with Restaurant Ostrovo in Sv. Naum directly. The boats depart from their premises. They would know.
Cogitoergosum222
Slavonia, Croatia165 contributions
I am interesting in going hiking to Magaro. I have read that some of hikers used local guides to go there. Can you recommend any of them? Were you satisfied with that guiding and what was the total (and particural) cost of that tour?
Thanks for answering.
Paul A
Norwich, UK9 contributions
As a group we hired Dimitri as a walking guide, twice during our recent trip to Ohrid and I would definitely recommend him. Dimitri will be able to help you plan a walk to meet your needs. Whilst he is based near Ohrid I know he does travel with his work and he discussed walking in other parts of Macedonia with us.
I am unable to include his contact details in this response, but if you search for Hiking Guide Ohrid you should find these.
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Claim your listingNational Park Galicica - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about National Park Galicica
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience National Park Galicica:
- ATV Full Day Adventure through National Park Galicica Ohrid (From $277.99)
- Pogradec, Korcha & Pustec tour from Ohrid (From $181.06)
- Private Day Tour to Ohrid and St. Naum from Skopje (From $183.48)
- Home-hosted lunch and Dihovo vilage tour from Ohrid (From $192.75)
- The Pearl of Balkan – Ohrid in 2 day program.... (From $426.27)
- Hotels near National Park Galicica:
- (0.11 mi) Saint Naum Hotel Complex
- (0.10 mi) Hotel St. Naum
- (0.12 mi) Apartments Bitrakov
- (1.43 mi) Hotel Millennium
- (1.46 mi) Hotel Voloreka
- Restaurants near National Park Galicica:
- (0.01 mi) Restaurant Ostrovo
- (0.05 mi) Restaurant Drim by Cuba Libre
- (0.10 mi) Saint Naum Restaurant
- (1.37 mi) Taverna Koco
- (1.49 mi) Shtëpia E Vjeter
National Park Galicica Information
Excellent Reviews | 278 |
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Very Good Reviews | 84 |
National Park Galicica Photos | 623 |